Continuous Growth of Around-the-Clock Gambling Establishments in Britain
Expansionof 24/7 Gambling Arcades in the UK and Rising Addiction Risks
The count of Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) in the UK is on the rise, indicating a growing proliferation of these slot machine and bingo terminal-exclusive establishments. Typically situated in city centers and operating 24/7, these arcades are becoming a common sight, with major operator Merkur opening over a hundred new AGCs since 2020 alone, even operating multiple locations in close proximity, such as in Peterborough.
To keep patrons engaged, operators provide free food and drinks, and the number of betting shop branches is decreasing. However, gambling addiction experts express concern over the increased risk of addiction due to the rise of AGCs. Consequently, the UK government has temporarily halted the relaxing of slot machine rules to minimize addiction risks and protect vulnerable gamblers.
The revenue generated from £2 slot machines is becoming a significant focus for AGC operators. These machines enable bets of up to £2 per round and yield an average annual revenue of over £30,000 per machine, amounting to a collective annual revenue of £463 million from over 14,200 of these machines across the UK.
Amidst concerns about increasing addiction risks, some operators exploit a loophole in UK gambling legislation by setting up tablets as bingo terminals, effectively increasing the number of allowed £2 slot machines. Authorities are bound to approve AGCs under the "aim to permit" clause, unless they violate existing gambling regulations. Yet, as gambling providers are often financially and legally well-positioned, they often decide permit procedures in their favor, appealing denied applications if necessary.
Dr. Matt Gaskell, a psychologist and clinical lead of the Northern Gambling Service, emphasizes the potential harm associated with extended gaming sessions in AGCs: "These venues are designed for long gaming sessions, and that's what causes harm. The fact that they are becoming more available on high streets is very concerning."
British politicians and the public are increasingly expressing opposition to the increasing number of AGCs, yet resistance to further branches of gambling providers often proves unsuccessful. Proposed reforms include modernizing rules, empowering local councils, creating a statutory levy for gambling operators to fund prevention and treatment services, and even a new Gambling Act to reflect today's digital landscape.
As the UK grapples with the future of AGCs, the outcome of ongoing consultations and potential legislative changes will determine the impact of these gaming arcades on gambling addiction in the UK.
What concerns gambling addiction experts about the expanding 24/7 Gambling Arcades in the UK is the increased risk of addiction due to the popularity of casino-games such as slots in these establishments. Despite ongoing debates about the rising number of AGCs, some operators are exploiting gambling-trends by setting up tablets as bingo terminals to bypass regulations, potentially increasing addiction risks.
